UK and France Send Troops to Ukraine Under Peace Deal Plan

Published: 06 January 2025
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

UK and France send troops to Ukraine under a proposed post-war security arrangement, with both governments agreeing in principle to deploy forces if a formal peace deal is reached to end Russia’s invasion. The announcement marks a significant escalation in European planning for Ukraine’s long-term security and reflects growing determination in London and Paris to deter any renewed Russian aggression once active hostilities cease.

Senior officials from both countries confirmed that discussions have advanced around the creation of a multinational reassurance force that would operate in Ukraine following a negotiated settlement. The force would not be designed for frontline combat but would instead focus on training Ukrainian forces, securing critical infrastructure, and acting as a deterrent against future violations of a peace agreement.

The move comes amid mounting concern across Europe that any ceasefire without firm security guarantees would leave Ukraine vulnerable to renewed attack. British and French leaders have argued that lessons from previous failed agreements show that international oversight and physical presence are essential to sustaining peace.

According to diplomatic sources, the proposed deployment would only occur with the full consent of the Ukrainian government and within the framework of international law. The troops would not operate independently but as part of a broader coalition involving other European allies, potentially under a joint command structure agreed in advance.

UK Prime Minister and French President have both stressed that the plan is contingent on a credible peace settlement being reached with Moscow. While no timeline has been set, officials say preparatory planning is necessary given the complexity of deploying forces into a post-conflict environment the size of Ukraine.

France has long advocated stronger European strategic autonomy, and the proposal signals a willingness by Paris to take a more assertive role in continental security. For the UK, the plan underlines its continued commitment to European defence despite having left the European Union.

Military analysts say the presence of Western troops on Ukrainian soil, even in a non-combat role, would represent a powerful deterrent. Any future attack would risk direct confrontation with NATO member states, significantly raising the political and military cost for Russia.

However, the proposal is not without controversy. Critics warn that deploying troops could provoke Moscow and risk escalating tensions rather than stabilising the region. Russian officials have repeatedly claimed that Western involvement in Ukraine already constitutes indirect participation in the conflict.

Despite these concerns, supporters argue that the absence of robust security guarantees would all but invite future aggression. Ukraine’s leadership has consistently demanded binding assurances that go beyond diplomatic promises, especially given the country’s experience after the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

In Kyiv, the proposal has been cautiously welcomed. Ukrainian officials say they are open to discussions on international troop deployments as long as they respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and contribute meaningfully to national defence. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine needs “real security, not paper guarantees”.

The discussions between London and Paris are also closely linked to broader debates within NATO. While NATO as an alliance has not committed to sending troops into Ukraine, individual member states are increasingly exploring bilateral or multilateral arrangements that stop short of formal NATO involvement.

Officials familiar with the talks say the reassurance force could include military engineers, air defence specialists, and logistics units, rather than large numbers of infantry. Their role would focus on stabilisation, monitoring compliance with a peace agreement, and assisting Ukraine in rebuilding its armed forces after years of war.

The UK has already played a central role in training Ukrainian troops through Operation Interflex, while France has provided advanced military equipment and intelligence support. The proposed deployment would build on this cooperation and formalise a long-term presence.

Politically, the announcement sends a strong message about European unity at a time when uncertainty remains over future US involvement. With American elections approaching, European leaders are keen to demonstrate that the continent can shoulder greater responsibility for its own security.

At home, the proposal is expected to face scrutiny in both the UK Parliament and the French National Assembly. Lawmakers are likely to demand clarity on the scope, cost, and legal basis of any deployment, as well as guarantees that troops would not be drawn into renewed fighting.

Defence officials insist that no final decision has been made and that extensive consultations will take place before any troops are sent. They emphasise that the primary goal remains ending the war through diplomacy, not prolonging it through military escalation.

As the conflict grinds on, with millions displaced and vast areas of Ukraine devastated, the focus is increasingly shifting toward what comes next. For the UK and France, planning for peace is now inseparable from planning for security.

Whether the proposal ultimately materialises will depend on the course of negotiations, Russia’s willingness to commit to a genuine settlement, and the readiness of European allies to back words with action. What is clear is that the conversation has moved beyond if Europe should help secure Ukraine’s future, to how far it is willing to go.